CrimeMan jailed 27 years for attempt murder

Man jailed 27 years for attempt murder

Joshua O’Dea (34) of Moston, has been found guilty of attempt murder.

Following an investigation by Rochdale CID, O’Dea attended Manchester Crown Court on Friday, where he was sentenced to 27 years in jail with an additional five years on extended license.

A further defendant, Cain Hopkins (30) was found not guilty at trial in July 2024.

The sentencing follows an incident on January 14, where emergency services were called to an address on Baguely Crescent in Middleton, following reports that a man had been stabbed.

Prior to this the 24-year-old victim of the attack had been staying with his friend in a caravan parked on Baguely Crescent. They were woken on the morning of the attack by loud banging and shouting at the door.

O’Dea then forced his way into the caravan with an axe and a knife and set upon the victim.

His motive was money he believed the victim owed him. O’Dea launched an assault which resulted in him beating the victim, threatening to bite the victim’s ear off if he didn’t pay and cutting his arm with a knife.

The victim managed to escape the caravan and he was later found in the street with serious injuries by members of the public and the police were called.

DC Chauhan said: “This was a terrifying and horrific assault which could have cost the victim his life. I am pleased the sentence today reflects the brutality of O’Dea’s actions and demonstrates the zero-tolerance approach we take to violence and knife crime in Greater Manchester. Anyone who carries weapons or seeks to bring harm to others will be brought before the courts and GMP will exercise every power at our disposal to ensure victims are protected and offenders brought to justice.”

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
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